Hartford Man Charged with Drug Distribution and Firearm Possession Offenses

David X. Sullivan, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and P.J. O'Brien, Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the FBI, today announced that KENNY LAPORTE, 39, of Hartford, has been charged by indictment with drug distribution and firearm possession offenses.

As alleged in court documents and statements made in court, an investigation determined that Laporte was distributing large quantities of fentanyl and other narcotics to customers and other drug sellers in the Hartford area and was using a residence on Amity Street in Hartford to store the drugs. In April and May 2025, investigators made multiple controlled purchases of distribution quantities of fentanyl from Laporte.

Laporte was arrested on a federal criminal complaint on May 29, 2025. On that date, a search of the Amity Street residence and a garage behind the residence revealed approximately 1.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 150 grams of powder cocaine, 25 grams of crack cocaine, 22 grams of heroin, nine handguns, ammunition, jewelry, and $21,000 in cash. Laporte possessed an additional $1,675 in cash at the time of his arrest.

Laporte's criminal history includes felony convictions for narcotics, firearm, and assault offenses. It is a violation of federal law for a person previously convicted of a felony offense to possess a firearm that has moved in interstate or foreign commerce.

On April 28, 2026, a grand jury in New Haven returned a seven-count indictment charging Laporte with five counts of possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, controlled substances, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count; one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and a quantity of cocaine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years and a maximum term of imprisonment of life, and one count unlawful possession of firearms by a felon, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years.

U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Laporte appeared today in Hartford federal court and pleaded not guilty to the charges in the indictment. He is released on a $100,000 bond pending trial.

This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Hartford Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Shan Patel.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.